“Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life.” ~ Michael Palin

I’m a huge fan of Michael Palin. Firstly, of course, because of Monty Python, a body of work very firmly embedded in my daily lexicon! But also for his many travel documentary series, such as Around the World in 80 Days, Pole to Pole, Full Circle and the destination-specific ones that followed. He has authored many books on his life and experiences too.

I think this quote rings true for all of us who love to travel. Once the joy of travel has been tasted, it’s impossible to imagine life without more. The list of places we wish to visit, the inventory of experiences we wish to undertake, the catalogue of cultures we wish to plunge into, grows ever longer.

The Galapagos Islands are – geologically speaking – very young, having been thrust upwards by volcanic activity beneath the slowly-moving Nazca tectonic plate, creating this string of islands 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The conical shapes of and rocky landscape are visible testament to the geology. It was here that Charles Darwin came to understand the nature of evolution, which he presented to the world as his Theory of Natural Selection. One of the unique aspects of wildlife on the islands is a lack of predators, such that local birds have not evolved a response to run from approaching mammals. This allows visitors to observe the birds at far closer quarters than elsewhere, without disturbing or scaring them.

What an amazing and true quote! I’ve been living this quote for the last 4 years and probably will for the rest of my life. Your picture from Galapagos looks lovely- that one has been on the bucket list for quite some time now.

You always come up with some very interesting and informative quotes and they inspire me. The travel bug rightly bit me few years ago and I have been on a high since that. Keep the words coming. Thanks

Wow, what a fantastic quote as when a travel bug there is no antidote and it cannot be treated. Travel is an addiction and it cannot be treated. Also great to know that Charles Darwin’s famous theory of Evolution got inspired by Galagapos Island. Thanks for sharing a motivating quote on travel.

I love this quote! The travel bug is the only bug I ever want to be infected with. I’ve read articles on this “wanderlust” gene that some people have, and I actually think it’s a real thing and I have it! I’ve been like this my whole life and don’t know how I could ever change. My parents and my sister are the same way, so it must be genetic!

I love this quote too! I am happy to be affected by the travel bug forever too! How fascinating about the birds who are unafraid of predators. I would love to visit the Galápagos Islands someday; they look beautiful!